breathing machine

USAGE SUMMARY

"breathing machine" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a medical device that assists with or controls a person's respiration. Example: The patient was hooked up to a breathing machine to help regulate their oxygen levels.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A breathing machine.

The New York Times - Magazine

A breathing machine hums while he works.

The Guardian

A breathing machine was hooked to his small face.

The New York Times

The quintuplets had immature lungs and needed a breathing machine.

The New York Times - Sports

The breathing machine seemed to be the answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although she was still on a ventilator (breathing machine), there was color in her face.

The New York Times

But if things got worse they would not put her on a breathing machine.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gendelman warned, "It's a breathing machine — you might need that".

The New York Times

It also features a giant kinetic sculpture that bellows like a breathing machine.

The New York Times - Arts

But after the politicians and journalists left, the result was one new breathing machine.

The New York Times

A mouth guard may be an alternative to a breathing machine.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, "breathing machine" is often preferred for its simplicity. Use more technical terms like "ventilator" or "respirator" when writing for a medical or scientific audience.

Common error

A common mistake is to confuse a "breathing machine" with an oxygen tank. A "breathing machine" assists or controls breathing, while an oxygen tank simply provides supplemental oxygen. Ensure you are using the correct term to avoid misrepresenting the medical intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breathing machine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a medical device designed to assist or replace a patient's breathing. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts describing medical treatments and end-of-life care.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breathing machine" is a common and grammatically correct term for a medical device that assists or controls respiration. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While more formal terms like "ventilator" and "respirator" exist, "breathing machine" serves as a clear and accessible way to refer to these devices for a general audience. It's important not to confuse a "breathing machine" with a simple oxygen tank, as the former actively assists or replaces breathing function. When writing about medical interventions, ensure that the terminology used accurately reflects the type of support being provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ventilator

This is a more formal and technical term for a breathing machine.

respirator

Similar to a ventilator, this term also denotes a device that assists with breathing.

mechanical ventilator

This specifies that the ventilator is a mechanical device.

breathing apparatus

A more general term for any device that aids in breathing.

lung ventilator

Highlights the device's function in assisting the lungs.

life support machine

This refers to any machine used to keep someone alive, which includes a breathing machine.

positive pressure ventilator

Describes a specific type of ventilator that uses positive pressure.

oxygenator

This term refers specifically to a device that adds oxygen to the blood.

CPAP machine

This refers to a specific type of breathing machine used for sleep apnea.

bi-level positive airway pressure device

A more precise term for a device that provides different levels of pressure during inhalation and exhalation.

FAQs

What is another common term for "breathing machine"?

A common alternative for "breathing machine" is "ventilator", which is often used in medical contexts. Another alternative is "respirator".

How does a "breathing machine" work?

A "breathing machine" works by assisting or completely taking over the process of breathing. It delivers air (often enriched with oxygen) into the lungs, either by pushing air in or by creating a negative pressure to draw air in. The specific mechanisms can vary depending on the type of machine.

When is a "breathing machine" typically used?

A "breathing machine" is typically used when a person is unable to breathe adequately on their own due to illness, injury, or surgery. Conditions such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or neuromuscular diseases may necessitate the use of a "breathing machine".

Is a CPAP machine a type of "breathing machine"?

Yes, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a type of "breathing machine" primarily used for treating sleep apnea. It delivers a constant level of air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep. It's a less invasive form of respiratory support compared to ventilators used in intensive care.